The Chi Forest Part 4
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon Toei does!
Impmon POV
Impmon was more troubled than he thinks he's ever been.
Even more than when he attacked and almost killed his friends in his digital world back in his dimension.
Finding out that the warrior's originally had ten members, and three of the others died in this Digital World was really discomforting. The image of him as Beezlemon actually carrying out his plans and killing the Tamers right away, instead of toying with them kept replaying over and over in his mind.
"But now I really can't blame them for being so tight lipped about their journey the first time here" Impmon thought solemnly as he stared into the fire. Whirling his around the campground, Impmon saw his tamers fast asleep in the provided sleeping bags huddled by Jeri, Suzie, and Rika.
Impmon gave a small smile at the sight, and while he would have loved to join them he couldn't sleep. So he had decided to join Koichi, Davis, Veemon, Agumon, Tai, Ryo, and Monodramon on the first night watch shift.
They were all sitting in silence, but surprisingly it was an enjoyable silence instead of the expected awkward one. Gentle breezes were flowing around everyone's body providing an odd sense of calm.
Impmon spared a glance at Koichi who was next to him on the log. The boy had done a Merging Spirit Evolution before he got ready for his watch to be ready in case of an attack.
Koichi now sported a black lion tail popping out right above the hem of his pants, sharp fangs poking from his upper and lower lips. Elongated red nails on his hands, longer ears very similar to the Leomon shape, and his hair had grown longer and even gave him a small side-burn attached beard.
Encasing his head just like a Leomon….
Impmon then realized it was going to be painful looking at Koichi….
"It sure is beautiful out tonight Davish" Veemon said his small lisp slipping into his words as he stared at the night sky.
"Yeah buddy despite everything, it sure is" Davis agreed smiling at his partner in thanks for lightening the mood even more.
Impmon couldn't help but agree with the two of them, appreciative for the beautiful night sky and hundreds of glistening stars as well. It calmed him down, and slowed his raging thoughts immensely.
"What about you Koichi, how do you feel?" Ryo asked tentatively not wanting to upset the Koichi anymore, but in his own subtle way wanted to know if he was all right.
Koichi was still for a moment, before he turned to Ryo and Monodramon and gave the duo a small sharp smile and nod.
"I am at peace, I love the night as well, besides I very well should, Darkness is my element" Koichi laughed along with Ryo and Monodramon jokingly. Not noticing the hesitant smiles crossing Tai's and Davis' faces.
Now the old more self-centered, and insecure Impmon would've laughed along with Koichi, but even he felt uncomfortable at the nonchalant announcement of the usually evil force.
Though since the gotten to this digital world, all of Impmon's terrible past memories, and mistakes seemed to be coming back and slapping him in quick flashbacks, and dreams. He hadn't really properly slept since they all arrived here. This only acerbated after watching Caturamon be viciously killed.
He was actually quite afraid of when he would need to digivolve and fight to kill, especially since there's a blood factor in this universe. He was worried that if he killed here in this world, that his old vicious bloodthirsty side would be awakened again and reek havoc.
But hopefully it was just a silly notion, and not an actual possibility. Just because it was a different dimension, didn't mean it could influence and affect his personality…
Or worse that Dagomon could be twisting his psyche with his influence…
"At least I hope these notions are a bunch of hooey..." Impmon thought sighing, not able to shake the feeling that it was entirely possible.
But then why was he still having these horrible flashbacks, and nightmares?
"Hey Impmon what's the matter you look pretty troubled?" a voice cracked through the air breaking Impmon out of his mini self loathing, worrywart tryst.
"Nahhh its nothing wise guy worry about yaself" Impmon assured waving a dismissive claw at Koichi.
Kochi raised an eyebrow at the little Imp in disbelief, but decided to press the issue. Instead he turned to the others joined around the fire.
"So do you all think you could handle it when the time comes? Now that you all know the repercussions of our world, I want to know if you all are going to be okay" Koichi questioned not mincing his words in the slightest.
The gathered humans and digimon all turned to face each other in a sort of silent communication.
"Honestly Koichi, I think Agumon and I agree were both not too sure on the matter…I mean we have killed digimon before, but never this way…" Tai confessed sheepishly.
Impmon almost scoffed at the admission. He like all the others digimon from his group thought that most of the digidestined digimon had it easy. Especially when they described the type of digital world they lived in, where it was peaceful as long as no digimon grew a big head.
Impmon was also jealous, though he didn't know it….
Living in a digital world that was mostly at peace, had luscious vegetation, cities, and without the constant need to fight and prove one's self?
He admitted subconsciously that it sounded wonderful.
"Well Tai, Agumon I can say you're going have to get use to it here, and I hate to say it but we may even have to kill digimon not even involved with Dagomon" Koichi asserted pointed a clawed finger at the pair.
"What do you mean by that?" Davis questioned his voice rising a bit at the implication.
"What I mean Davis is that like my team said earlier the digimon in our world are the equivalent of real world wild animals. Very few logic and reasoning skills resonate within a lot of them, more so when they disagree with a principle we may have…" Koichi stated.
Impmon gave the boy a quick confused glance, wasn't him and his team still a little mad at Davis. He never saw them personally and officially make up or anything.
"Ah well maybe they didn't need words, and in their own sense decided to just let go of the animosity they displayed earlier at the castle" Impmon thought rubbing his head, berating himself for his constant over thinking.
"So they would attack us without impiety, and they would probably be relentless if we offended them in someway like say hesitating to fight, correct?" Ryo added catching on to Koichi.
"Exactly Ryo! I have to say I'm impressed it sounds like you're quite knowledgeable in these matters" Koichi complimented.
"Yeah you could say, that back in my original dimension, after my adventure with Ken I spent a year in my dimensions digital world lost, self survival tends to overthrow certain morals in hostile situations." Ryo said his face slightly steely, with Monodramon nodding in agreement by his side.
Impmon gave Ryo thumbs up for his mini speech, rather impressed by the boy's logic. In Impmon's opinion while Ryo may not be the tamer who he considers the strongest or he likes the most; Ryo has earned the a lot of respect from him, especially when he heard from Guilmon how the boy disposed of Majiramon, and some of the D-Reaper agents. Plus he managed to survive in their dimensions digital world a whole year, that was impressive in itself.
Davis stilled looked rather miffed by the answer, but even Impmon could see the hidden realization behind his eyes.
Veemon then decided ask something.
"Koichi how come you seem so alert and lively. It must be about 11 now and you don't even look tired." Veemon pointed out his own eyes slightly dropping.
"Yeah wise guy, bluey here has got a point, even I'm feeling a little copout" Impmon confessed yawning holding a claw towards his mouth.
"I'm the element of darkness, trust me it actually more work for me to stay up during the day. Thanks to the infusion of my partner Shi and I, I'm actually more nocturnal. If it wasn't for the urgency of this situation I would do the whole night shift by myself, and sleep during the day while J.P would carry me." Koichi confessed rubbing the back of his head embarrassed.
"Really?" Agumon asked.
"That's how it's been done in the past Agumon" Koichi answered.
"So you really have problems staying awake during the day?" Impmon exclaimed a bit surprised by that information. If that was the case, this kid should've been much more sleepy during the day.
"Yeah, at most I only sleep about 4 hours a night, but to be fair in my digital world most viral type digimon are nocturnal anyway" Koichi said giving Impmon a sly grin, while Impmon finally noticed the light bags under Koichi's eyes.
"Hey if that's the case, don't you think you should try and get some sleep then?" Tai questioned also unsure of how Koichi even kept functioning with that little amount of sleep.
"Nah, unfortunately I couldn't sleep early even if I wanted too. I partially suffer from insomnia as well, so trying to go to bed before I'm completely exhausted doesn't work for me." Koichi said rubbing both his eyes with his clawed hands.
"Oh sorry to hear that man…tough luck huh?" Davis grimaced in sympathy not being able to imagine being unable to happily sleep when one pleased.
"Ah you get used to it, besides the first shift should ending soon…" Koichi announced just as Koji, T.K, Matt, Gabumon, Patamon, Henry, and Terriermon were walking up for their shift.
"Huh is it time to switch already?" Ryo asked looking at Henry.
"Yeah, it's eleven thirty you guys can go to sleep now" Henry said holding up his watch to Ryo.
"Okay, then come on Monodramon" Ryo said waving his arm towards their sleeping bag as he and Monodramon got up to hit the hay.
"Yeah Davish I'm beat" Veemon yawned stretching his hands over his head.
"See you guys in the morning" Tai said bidding goodnight along with Agumon.
Oddly enough Koichi stayed in the same spot, before he shared a meaningful glance with his brother and got up and walked over to a peaking rock near the sleeping area.
Impmon curious about the boy decided to follow Koichi and delight him with his company.
Koichi lay perched up upon the rock like a true lion would. He was admiring the many stars above his head, when he heard footsteps heading his direction.
Turning his head he saw Impmon freeze in mid step when noticed, before he swiftly transitioned into what he obviously thought was a "cool guy" pose.
"So what are you doing here little imp?" Koichi asked his face becoming rather smug.
"I'm just watching you wise guy to make sure you're not up to anything funny, and don't call me little imp!" Impmon snarled at Koichi pointing an accusatory finger at him.
"I call them as I see them, anyway why don't you just hurry up and ask me your question" Koichi smiled knowingly.
"Whadda mean you call them as you se-wait how did you know that's what I really wanted?" Impmon said interrupting himself utterly surprised by Koichi's deduction.
"People who are trying to hide their feelings, are sometimes the easiest people to read" Koichi said giving the digimon a sincere smile.
"I ain't no person, I'm a digimon remember it bub!" Impmon threatened a playful smirk on his face.
"I'll take a rain check then" Koichi said giving Impmon a mock salute.
"Anyway I just wanted to know, ho-how you're so comfortable declaring your element and flaunting you have and use the powers of darkness…doesn't it bother you slightly?" Impmon asked extremely embarrassed to sound so timid and unsure in front of a stranger.
Koichi closed his eyes for a moment, then snapped them right back open. He mentioned for Impmon to sit next to him on his spot on the rock, and once Impmon did he began talking again.
"No, not anymore…I will admit though having the dark element did scare me at first, over all I'm actually happy now that I represent the element." Koichi answered with truthful conviction.
"Now know this fella, I ain't knocking the powers of darkness and all, because heck I use them. But even I admit to being wary of my own power sometimes….I-I've even been having nightmares about it…" Impmon stated his voice growing a little sad.
"I know you're past with the Tamers was pretty rocky, but I can tell right now that you've gotten commendable control over your own dark power." Koichi praised patting Impmon on the head hoping to cheer or rile him up.
"Yeah, yeah get your hands off me pal" Impmon sneered his voice noticeably lacking its usual kick.
"So what's the real problem?" Koichi pushed wanting to help Impmon out.
"I guess my real problem is fear; I'm afraid that someday I might lose control again, and I or someone else will have to pay the price again" Impmon finally confessed blowing out a frustrated huff of air, his thoughts lofting towards his twin tamers.
"Ah this is a problem I face many a day as well." Koichi said taking on a reminiscent face.
"What! Really?" Impmon exclaimed surprised the guy always just seemed so calm and collected he couldn't even imagine Koichi losing control of himself.
"Yeah I may be able to hold myself high now, but when I first got the digital world I was an absolute mess and downright terror" Koichi told Impmon who became completely wrapped up in his story.
"What happened?" Impmon goaded.
"Let's just say my first time here I was a twisted and distorted version of the warrior of darkness, yes that means worse than how even Shi looks now" Koichi said with a laugh, that unknown to Impmon was immediately followed by a sharp feeling stab in his head.
"I had let myself become twisted by my teams enemy due to jealously and insecurity of what my brother and his friends had, so in turn I almost killed my brother and friends in a fierce battle." Koichi confessed sharing an understanding look with the shocked Impmon.
"Very similar to your own story isn't it?" Koichi stated in morbid irony.
"Yeah, freaky similar if ya ask me." Impmon agreed rubbing his head in mild shock.
"Every once in while I have nightmares about that day, that's where my insomnia started. However I see it as a sort of fitting punishment, because even though my personality was extremely distorted, it was only because of my persisting negative thoughts and feelings. So like you I'm afraid to sleep too." Koichi finished looked down ashamed.
"Man…being an awesome creature of darkness can be bullshit can't it?" Impmon sighed using language he only reserved for when the twins were not around.
"Yes it can little imp, but it doesn't have to be all bad." Koichi began ignoring the glare Impmon gave him for the "little" comment.
"I never told you the reason I'm appreciative for being the warrior of darkness yet!" Koichi smiled at Impmon.
"Well go on wise guy" Impmon against his wishes found himself smiling sincerely back. Not a smirk or a smug grin.
But a true blue smile.
"I appreciate being the element of darkness, because it gives me new enlightenment on the element and allows me to spread that enlightenment to others." Koichi began instantly wrapping Impmon's attention to him.
"It allows me to show other people and digimon that darkness isn't purely an element for evil. That darkness does have admirable qualities like, giving us the beautiful night, allowing us to have a soothing environment to sleep in, and most importantly keeping everything in balance." Koichi concluded.
"Like that yin-yang symbol?" Impmon input.
"Yes just like the yin-yang symbol Impmon! Without darkness there would be no need for light, and without light darkness couldn't really co-exist either" Koichi stated.
"Well a lotta good that explanation will be to some people" Impmon scoffed thinking of T.K, Kari, and even that Davis boy.
"Yes I know some people in our group won't be easily swayed by that explanation, but that's only because they've had the force of darkness only used on them in a negative perspective" Koichi applied.
Impmon gave him a disbelieving glance; despite all the things Koichi just said was positive about darkness, even he a well-known dark digimon hadn't had too many positive experiences with his own abilities.
"Think about like this little imp, most people mistake simply someone wanting power or control to be a element of darkness. Which in my guess is the only type of enemies the digidestined faced, with the technical exception of Ken who was being possessed." Koichi started again.
Impmon just continued to listen enraptured.
"But in all honesty those are totally different from one another. Yes, it is true that darkness can be applied to those qualities, people and digimon alike tend to forget that those are qualities everyone possess' and can easily utilize. It all just depends on the way the person chooses to do so," Koichi continued.
"So what you're basically saying is there is a just way to use darkness" Impmon said trying to simplify the explanation for himself.
"Yep, plus I'm saying that a little darkness in everyone's life can keep people grounded in reality. While its nice to have wonderful things constantly happen to one's self, it's the dark times and mistakes that actually can help people grow into better people along way, because sometimes to many positive opportunities happening to someone can in fact turn them into worse people" Koichi said thinking of people like snobby millionaire CEO's.
"That's actually a really good point Einstein" Impmon joked to hide his true impression with Koichi, who he was now starting to feel a very close kinship too.
"Yeah and remember what I said applies to digimon too!" Koichi finished with a happy smile sneaking his arm around Impmon and giving him a nuggie.
"Hey, Hey! Lemme go ya big palooka!" Impmon said laughing along with his newfound friend.
"Okay, but only because I don't want to wake anyone up!" Koichi conceded letting go of Impmon who then mock punched him in the shoulder.
"Hey shut up wise guy! Now why don't we both try to get some well deserved sleep huh?" Impmon demanded lounging down on the curling lion boy's stomach snuggly.
"Yeah sure little imp we could use it" Koichi whispered lying down fully and closing his eyes.
"Stop calling me little…wise guy…" Impmon huffed trailing off as slumber consumed him.
Author's Note: Sorry about the long wait for this chapter, but college finals were about last week! Anyway I loved writing the interaction between Impmon and Koichi, whose stories are very similar. Especially since both of their stories deal with insecurity and jealously in hindsight and reflection and forgiveness after the major fights.
Yes I do know Ken's story is like that as well, but what I feel is a bit different to not put him on the exact same wavelength is how his insecurity and jealously were dealt with. Remember he really didn't get to jealous and start to really resent Sam until after their fight over Sam's digivice.
Plus he felt immediate regret for the wish he wanted after Sam died saving him, what happened to him after that then became more circumstances than his over actual choice, because remember he didn't travel to the Dark Ocean on his own he was summoned there. Also Koichi and Impmon are still constantly using the powers of darkness while Ken's put that behind him.
Impmon and Koichi also did have much more semblances of choice in their actions, like how Impmon grew mad with power because that was mostly his own doing with little influence from the Devas. Then with Koichi I liked to believe the negative and jealous feelings he had towards his brother, no matter how much he tried to ignore them fueled the fire for his twisted warrior of darkness form, more than the Dark Cherubimon did.
Finally Ken didn't really try to kill anyone close too him. Remember the digidestined and him didn't know each other in the real world for a while and he had no real relationships with any of them till after they defeated him, unlike Impmon and Koichi whose relations stemmed from rescues, odd friendships, and blood relation.
The next chapter is another battle with another old enemy stay tuned, Please Review and FusaoKairi Out!